The Children's Hearing Institute in New York, founded by Dr. Simon Parisier, sponsored a new Marvel comic book featuring Sapheara, a super hero with bright pink cochlear implants. Marvel is helping get the word out about hearing loss and technology by using Iron Man and two other super hero characters who have experienced hearing loss and use hearing aids and cochlear implants to hear.

“It is crucial that parents and children understand the facts about hearing impairment and the many viable treatment options available for all levels of hearing loss,” said Ronald Hoffman, MD, Medical Director of the Ear Institute at NYEE. “Having Sapheara as a resource for entertainment and education could help many more patients receive the evaluations and care they need to lead active and engaged lives.”

"…Marvel has shown the world that everyone can be a hero, and we are honored and proud to prove that again by teaming with the Children's Hearing Institute on this all-new, action-packed adventure," noted Marvel Custom Solutions creative director Bill Rosemann. "Not only will readers of all ages see Iron Man streak into action against his diabolical foes Klaw and Blackout, but they'll also witness Blue Ear's first comic book appearance and the dynamic debut of Sapheara, the world's first Cochlear implant-wearing Super Hero! Modern Marvel thrills combined with a positive message that can help kids around the globe...does anything sound better than that?" The special comic book is being distributed to 150,000 New York area school children.

ACI Alliance salutes The Children's Hearing Institute for taking the initiative in sponsoring Sapheara and Marvel Entertainment for creating such an engaging role model for kids with cochlear implants.